What a beautiful Kennedy era party frock. With beads and rhinestones at the waist, and a swing and sway two-layer skirt. This dress is made by Carol Craig, New York – a well-known brand name of the time.
Pretty, pretty, pretty – and in perfect condition. Someone loved it very much. See what else we love, tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTABESPY.COM
While I was having a run on ’60’s cocktail LBDs, this one presented herself. Same chiffon drape detail idea, but very sassy chic instead of tailored and ladylike. So much fun!
I also love discovering these frocks that were worn once or not at all. And even the ones that saw many the party are often still in quite beautiful condition, as our grandmothers were not in the habit of trashing their clothing. You won’t see the next one for a while, though, because she needs a zipper replacement. A breeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the meantime, there’s lots more to show you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this one a beauty?! Another of my “new” finds this winter, when I had a sudden rush of discovering little black dresses from this particular era, most with these interesting drapes of black chiffon.
It’s a keeper for sure! Though a little long, it fits like a dream and, of course, is very well-tailored. Love the bodice treatment and little cap sleeves. The very svelte sheath fit makes up for the poufiness around the hips. Now I just need to find a cocktail party . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Despite the flash glare, the color of this evening jacket is elegant black black. There were several companies and up-scale department store brands who made high quality clothing in dense wool knit in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and here is one example.
Some have survived so well because of their quality and because owners looked after them. I have a few garments of this type, but not a black jacket so was thrilled to discover this one. Nothing could be more classic, versatile and wearable for evening. As always, I look forward to photographing my latest discoveries on the models back at Headquarters so that they are properly displayed.
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This style is a very elegant, body-skimming sheath design with back zip and a low plunge behind. Notice the chiffon drape which hangs from the waist, and the simple embroidery on the bodice.
Although the interior size tag reads 8, an attached paper tag dangling from a side-seam give the sizing as 7/8, meaning that this was a Junior size frock rather than Misses, with a youthful cut. LOVE IT when original sales tags are present and testify to a garment that has never been worn!!
Knee-length to moderate-mini, depending on the wearer’s height, and with a 3″ hem allowance. Perfect. Just my size! Never fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With all the casual elegance of the mid-1960’s, this metallic frock is the greatest! I was just thrilled to find this. It’s fully-lined and in great shape. I had to tack up the hem and give it a light cleaning – that’s all!
More perfect party-wear. Couldn’t ask for more this holiday season. I enjoyed this one on New Year’s Eve. Simply-made and easy to wear, that’s the best of the best when it’s also high quality.
Love true vintage . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a lovely, oh-so-flattering jacquard blouse for cocktails, dinner, dancing and parties. It looks superb with a long black skirt or black cigarette pants.
Notice the little bows at the waist. It also buttons up the back (I LOVE that feature of so many ’50’s blouses) with 5/8″ covered buttons. Very swank.
The fun thing about 50’s separates like this is that they were dressed up or down, since rock and roll, rhythm and blues and, later, cocktail parties became such a rage – on top of the more formal and traditional occasions that were always part of the social scene.
As usual, the cut and tailoring of this piece is outstanding. The fabric is quite nice, too. Just the right thing for a woman of intrigue to have in her closet, no? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
While we’re in a New Year mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.
Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline. The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.
Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.
I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!
Worthy of Peggy Lee any day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Naturally, I collect true vintage pearl necklaces, real or faux, but in this case my attention is on the rhinestone clasp. The finish on the beads is worn in places, so they aren’t keepers, but the closure can easily be used on another necklace. That will add a perfect Fifties finish to any costume jewelry neck-wear. Worth having!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have a couple of corded purses, but they’re all different and naturally one can never have too many. . . . . . . . . Although Garay purses are still not scarce, they are a very good true vintage brand so I’m always glad to find one. This clutch looks as though it was never used and has the nice feature of a center zip compartment, with an open pocket on either side. Still very slim, and more convenient than some little bags that will only carry a lipstick, a small wad of money and a key.
So, it’s a keeper.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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